When the 33 Chilean miners were rescued from their desert entombment after 69 days, they emerged into a glittering world of studio lights and champagne; fêted as heroes, they were showered with promises of fame and fortune.
Almost a year after the collapse at the San José mine however, the limelight has acquired a bitter tinge. Almost half the group, suffering health and psychological difficulties and unable to work, are seeking government pensions.
Meanwhile all but two have launched a £10 million lawsuit against the State. “It’s not true what they say, that we have made lots of money,” Mario Sepúlveda, one of the group, told The Times. “Many of the miners are not in a good situation, they have lots of difficulties.”
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